Previously, we have shown that alpha-2C and alpha-1A adrenergic receptors (AR) stimulate prostacyclin (PGI2) synthesis through a pertussis toxin-sensitive guanine nucleotide-binding protein (G protein) in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC). The purpose of this study was to assess the role of Ca++ in PGI2 production elicited by alpha-AR activation and to investigate the modulation of the Ca++ channel by G proteins coupled to these alpha-AR in VSMC. PGI2 was measured as immunoreactive 6-keto-PGF1 alpha by radioimmunoassay and cytosolic calcium ([Ca++]i) by spectrofluorometry using fura-2. Norepinephrine, methoxamine and UK-14304 enhanced 6-keto-PGF1 alpha production and [Ca++]i, which was inhibited by depletion of extracellular Ca++ and by Ca++ channel antagonists (verapamil, nifedipine and PN 200-110). Moreover, the Ca++ channel activator Bay K 8644 increased 6-keto-PGF1 alpha production in a nifedipine-sensitive manner, indicating the involvement of dihydropyridine-sensitive Ca++ channels in VSMC. Pertussis toxin inhibited AR agonist-induced 6-keto-PGF1 alpha production and the increase in [Ca++]i. Alpha AR agonists increase Ca++ influx in the presence of guanosine 5'-0-(2- thiodiphosphate) (GTP-gamma-S), and this effect was blocked in the presence of guanine 5'-O-(2-thiodiphosphate) (GDP-beta-S) and antiserum against Gi alpha 1-2 protein in reversibly permeabilized cells with beta-escin. VSMC of rabbit aortae contain a G protein(s) that was recognized by Gi alpha 1-2 but not Gi alpha 3 or G0 antibodies at 1:200 dilution. The calmodulin inhibitor W-7 blocked AR agonist and Bay K 8644-stimulated 6-keto-PGF1 alpha production. The phospholipase A2 inhibitors 7,7-dimethyleicosadienoic acid and oleoyloxyethyl phosphocholine but not phospholipase C inhibitor U-73122 reduced 6-keto-PGF1 alpha production in VSMC. These data suggest that a pertussis toxin-sensitive G protein, probably Gi alpha 1-2, coupled to alpha AR regulates Ca++ influx, which, in turn, by interacting with calmodulin, increases phospholipase A2 activity to release arachidonic acid for PGI2 synthesis in VSMC of rabbit aortae.